The Belmont Forum is seeking to fill the position of Deputy Director within its International Secretariat. This is a full-time position based in Montevideo, Uruguay at the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Offices. Remote working arrangements will be considered, provided a strong case is made that an alternative location would bring greater added benefit to the Belmont Forum with suitable organizational or institutional support in place.
The Deputy Director will work alongside the Executive Director in implementing the decisions from the Belmont Forum Plenary. The Deputy Director’s primary role will be working closely with the members ensuring that the growing membership remains connected to Belmont Forum activities and opportunities through transparent and efficient communication, and timely preparation of the annual Plenary meeting. The Deputy Director will also work with member organizations to keep all necessary member and financial agreements up to date. The Deputy Director will be supported by the IAI accounting staff to provide clear financial reporting to members as required and be the main point of contact regarding purchasing and contracting, such as for event costs and branding materials.
As the Belmont Forum celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, it is important to valorize the transdisciplinary research the Forum has funded to date. The Deputy Director will be in charge of jointly developing and implementing activities to determine and demonstrate the added value of active Belmont Forum projects, build cross-thematic synthesis, and elicit lessons learned to improve future efforts. These activities will be conducted in collaboration with other members of the Secretariat, contracted organizations, thematic call program staff, and Belmont Forum members and partners.
The Deputy Director will be expected to engage in international travel on behalf of the Belmont Forum. Travel may include but is not limited to valorization activities, scoping meetings, Steering Committee meetings, and Belmont Forum-relevant workshops. Attendance at the annual plenary meeting is mandatory. The Deputy Director will also participate in weekly scheduled video/teleconferences of the Secretariat.
The working language of the Belmont Forum Secretariat and activities is English. It is expected that the Deputy Director will be proficient in English. Competency in additional languages is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate should have experience working in international relations, protocol, and intergovernmental scientific organizations. Furthermore management and coordination of multi-national and multi-disciplinary research activities and qualification in discipline related to global environmental change would be an asset. Prospective candidates should have proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and video/teleconferencing technologies.
The Deputy Director is appointed on a 3-year term, with the potential for renewal for another 3 years. After two 3-year terms, the Deputy Director position would undergo a new international search. The previous Deputy Director can be rehired if deemed the best candidate from the international search.
The Deputy Director will be line managed by the Executive Director and accountable to the Steering Committee led by the Co-Chairs. The Deputy Director will have an annual evaluation with the Executive Director and a term evaluation with the Steering Committee at the end of the first year, and every 3 years.
If located in Montevideo, the Deputy Director will be eligible for the same benefits allocated to the Executive Director, including matching retirement contributions, international health insurance, subsidies of life insurance and school for minor children, dependent and housing allowance, relocation costs and, annual leave and a return ticket for a home visit after two years employ. Benefits for candidates wishing to work remotely will be negotiated at the offer stage. Salary will be at an international standard for this experience level, payable in USD.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter of no more than 2-A4 pages detailing their interest and experience related to the position. They should also include their CV of no more than 3-A4 pages and a list of 3 professional references with contact details. All materials should be either Microsoft Word or PDF documents. The application packet should be submitted by e-mail to Erica.key@belmontforum.org . The deadline for applications is 23:59 UTC on 1 May 2019. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Selected eligible candidates will be invited for interview via videoconference with the selection committee.
Final selection is expected in June 2019, with the Deputy Director assuming their role within 3 months of selection.
